Virginia Dayflower - Commelina virginica

Commelina virginica - Virginia Dayflower. Commelina virginica grows in wet places, especially along swamps, rivers, and where this was photographed, along stream banks. It flowers from mid-summer and on into fall, growing in the southeastern quadrant of the United States as far west as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and as far north as Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. It was historically present in Pennsylvania, but it is reported as being extirpated in that state.

Virginia Dayflower has 3 light blue petals. The third petal is somewhat smaller than the top two petals. Some other Commelina species have darker blue petals, with the third petal being white and notably smaller than the top two. The spathe in Commelina virginica is fused for about a third; that of some other species are fully open. This is a noteworthy attribute for identifying Commelina species.

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2012-September-26

Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D7000

While looking from the top the leaves may appear to be in a whorl, they are actually spirally arranged. The mud on this plant demonstrates the wet environment in which the plant grows - this plant being in an area frequently flooded after a rain.

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Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2012-September-26

Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D7000

The leaves are arranged in a spiral, with the sheaths having red hairs on the edges. The plant grows up to about 3 feet high, although in my experience it is usually found to be much shorter.